SICKLE-CELL DISEASE - STILL A MANAGEMENT CHALLENGE

Many sickle cell patients now live until their 20s or 30s because the morbidity and mortality rates in early childhood have been reduced thr ough early diagnosis and aggressive management. A comprehensive approa ch to care must address both the medical and psychosocial impact of th is disease on patients and their families. Current research and experi mental treatments show promise of reducing the rate of complications f urther or of even finding a cure for this disease. However, it may be many years before these therapies can be offered to all patients.